U.S. patent number 7,744,002 [Application Number 11/078,655] was granted by the patent office on 2010-06-29 for tamper evident adhesive and identification document including same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to L-1 Secure Credentialing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daoshen Bi, Robert L. Jones, Tung-Feng Yeh.
United States Patent |
7,744,002 |
Jones , et al. |
June 29, 2010 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Tamper evident adhesive and identification document including
same
Abstract
A composition is provided for adhering a first article to a
second article, the composition comprising a thermally active low
Tg polymeric resin; and a multifunctional crystalline polymer. The
thermally active low Tg polymeric resin can, for example, comprise
50-99% of the composition. The multifunctional crystalline polymer
can, for example, comprise 1-50% of the composition. In one
embodiment, the multifunctional crystalline polymer comprises 5-20%
by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the
multifunctional crystalline polymer has a low molecular weight.
Inventors: |
Jones; Robert L. (Andover,
MA), Bi; Daoshen (Boxborough, MA), Yeh; Tung-Feng
(Waltham, MA) |
Assignee: |
L-1 Secure Credentialing, Inc.
(Billierca, MA)
|
Family
ID: |
35186094 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/078,655 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050242194 A1 |
Nov 3, 2005 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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60552172 |
Mar 11, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/487; 235/488;
235/380 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09J
9/00 (20130101); C09J 7/38 (20180101); G06K
19/00 (20130101); B42D 25/455 (20141001); B42D
25/47 (20141001); B42D 25/00 (20141001); C09J
11/08 (20130101); B42D 25/23 (20141001); C09J
2475/00 (20130101); C09J 2203/338 (20130101); B42D
25/465 (20141001); C09J 2431/00 (20130101); C09J
2433/00 (20130101); C09J 2467/00 (20130101); Y10T
428/24802 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
G06K
19/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;235/487,380,375,488
;428/347 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Labaze; Edwyn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky
and Popeo, P.C.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This application claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
60/552,172, filed Mar. 11, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
This application is related to the following United States
Provisional Application: Tamper Evident Security Feature and
Identification Document Including Same (Application Number
60/514,178, filed Oct. 23, 2003, Inventors Daoshen Bi, Robert
Jones, and Tom Regan and Application No. 10/973,924, filed Oct. 25,
2004);
The present application also is related to the following U.S.
Patents and patent applications, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference:
Document Laminate Formed From Different Polyester
Materials(Application No. 10/692,463, filed Oct. 22, 2003, Inventor
Brian Labrec, (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-0084693));
Optically Variable Security Features Having Covert Forensic
Features (Application No 10/673,048, filed Sep. 26, 2003, Inventors
Robert Jones and Daoshen Bi (U.S. Patent Publication No.
2005-0067497));
Identification Document (Application No. 60/471,429, filed May 16,
2003, inventors Robert Jones, Brian Labrec, Daoshen Bi, and Thomas
Regan).
Use of Pearlescent and Other Pigments to Create Security Documents
(Application No. 09/969,200, Inventors Bentley Bloomberg and Robert
L. Jones, filed Oct. 2, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,277)).
Identification Card Printed With Jet Inks and Systems and Methods
of Making Same (Application No. 10/289,962, Inventors Robert Jones,
Dennis Mailloux, and Daoshen Bi, filed Nov. 6, 2002 U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2003-0211296)).
Contact Smart Cards Having a Document Core, Contactless Smart Cards
Including Multi-Layered Structure, PET-Based Identification
Document, and Methods of Making Same (Application No. 10/329,318,
filed Dec. 23, 2002--Inventors Robert Jones, Joseph Anderson,
Daoshen Bi, Thomas Regan, and Dennis Mailloux (now U.S. Pat. No.
6,843,422)).
Multiple Image Security Features for Identification Documents and
Methods of Making Same (Application No. 10/325,434, filed Dec. 18,
2002 --Inventors Brian Labrec, Joseph Anderson, Robert Jones, and
Danielle Batey (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,530)).
Each of the above U.S. Patent documents is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The present invention is also related to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/747,735, filed Dec. 22, 2000
(now Publication No. 2003-0038174), Ser. No. 09/602,313, filed Jun.
23, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,432), and Ser. No. 10/094,593,
filed Mar. 6, 2002 (now Publication No. 2002-0170966), U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/358,321, filed Feb. 19, 2002,
as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,594. Each of the above U.S. Patent
documents is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A composition for adhering a first polymer laminate layer to a
second polymer laminate layer, the composition comprising: a
thermally active polymeric resin; and a multifunctional crystalline
polymer, wherein the composition maintains adhesion between the
first and second polymer layers above a temperature at which a
plurality of crystals form within the multifunctional crystalline
polymer; wherein the composition forms a plurality of crystals that
provide visible evidence of tampering with the adhesion formed
between the first and second polymer layers when heated at a
temperature above a predetermined temperature.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the thermally active
polymeric resin comprises a low Tg polymeric resin that comprises
50-99% of the composition.
3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the multifunctional
crystalline polymer comprises 1-50% of the composition.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional
crystalline polymer comprises 1-50% of the composition.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional
crystalline polymer comprises 5-20% by weight of the
composition.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional
crystalline polymer has a low molecular weight.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the thermally active
polymeric resin comprises a low Tg polymeric resin that comprises
at least one of a high molecular weight low Tg linear amorphous
polyester, a polymeric plasticizer, VITEL 3650, polyacrylate,
polyethylene vinylacrylate, polyester, and polyurethane.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional
crystalline polymer comprises at least one of a di-functional
polyester, a tri-functional polyester, a multi-functional
polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, high density
polyethylene, and VITEL 5833.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
temperature is a temperature lower than a standard lamination
temperature.
10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
temperature is about 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the crystals have a "snow
flake" like appearance after being subjected to heat above the
predetermined temperature, and the "snow flake" like appearance
provides evidence of tampering with the adhesion between the first
and second polymer layers.
12. An identification document, comprising: an information-bearing
layer; an adhesive layer overlaying at least a portion of the
information-bearing layer, the adhesive layer comprising a
thermally active low Tg polymeric resin and a multifunctional
crystalline polymer; and a protective layer coupled to the
information-bearing layer via the adhesive layer, wherein the
adhesive layer is constructed and arranged such that subjecting the
identification document to a temperature above a predetermined
temperature causes a plurality of crystals to form in the adhesive
layer.
13. An identification document, comprising: an information-bearing
layer; an adhesive layer overlaying at least a portion of the
information-bearing layer, the adhesive layer comprising a
thermally active polymeric resin and a multifunctional crystalline
polymer; and a protective layer coupled to the information-bearing
layer via the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is
constructed and arranged such that subjecting the identification
document to a temperature above a predetermined temperature causes
a plurality of crystals to form in the adhesive layer.
14. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the crystal
formation is substantially irreversible.
15. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the crystals
are visible to an unaided human eye.
16. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the thermally
active lot Tg polymeric resin comprises 50-99% of the adhesive
layer.
17. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the
multifunctional crystalline polymer comprises 1-50% of the adhesive
layer.
18. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the
multifunctional crystalline polymer comprises 5-20% by weight of
the adhesive layer.
19. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the thermally
active low Tg polymeric resin comprises at least one of a high
molecular weight low Tg linear amorphous polyester, a polymeric
plasticizer, VITEL 3650, polyacrylate, polyethylene vinylacrylate,
polyester, and polyurethane.
20. The identification document of claim 13, wherein the
multifunctional crystalline polymer comprises at least one of a
di-functional polyester, a tri-functional polyester, a
multi-functional polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, high
density polyethylene, and VITEL 5833.
21. A laminate for a document comprising: an outer-laminate layer;
and an adhesive layer including a thermally active polymeric resin,
and a multifunctional crystalline polymer; wherein the adhesive
layer maintains adhesion between the outer-laminate layer and an
information bearing document layer above a temperature at which a
plurality of crystals form within the multifunctional crystalline
polymer: and wherein subjecting the laminate to a temperature above
a predetermined temperature causes a plurality of crystals to form
in the adhesive layer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is generally related to identification
documents. In one implementation an identification document has an
adhesion controlling layer (formed from an inventive material)
applied to couple an overlaminate to the rest of an identification
document using an inventive adhesive. The adhesive provides strong
adhesion to many different kinds of identification document
materials, including plastic card materials such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and amorphous polyester such as
amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET). More particularly,
this inventive adhesive helps to provide unique evidence to protect
the security document from heat intrusion and to enable detection
of such intrusion.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
Identification Documents
Identification documents (hereafter "ID documents") play a critical
role in today's society. One example of an ID document is an
identification card ("ID card"). ID documents are used on a daily
basis--to prove identity, to verify age, to access a secure area,
to evidence driving privileges, to cash a check, and so on.
Airplane passengers are required to show an ID document during
check in, security screening and prior to boarding their flight. In
addition, because we live in an ever-evolving cashless society, ID
documents are used to make payments, access an automated teller
machine (ATM), debit an account, or make a payment, etc.
(For the purposes of this disclosure, ID documents are broadly
defined herein, and include, e.g., credit cards, bank cards, phone
cards, passports, driver's licenses, network access cards, employee
badges, debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration
documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social
security cards, security badges, certificates, identification cards
or documents, voter registration cards, police ID cards, border
crossing cards, legal instruments, security clearance badges and
cards, gun permits, gift certificates or cards, membership cards or
badges, etc., etc. Also, the terms "document," "card," "badge" and
"documentation" are used interchangeably throughout this patent
application.).
Many types of identification cards and documents, such as driving
licenses, national or government identification cards, bank cards,
credit cards, controlled access cards and smart cards, carry
thereon certain items of information which relate to the identity
of the bearer. Examples of such information include name, address,
birth date, signature and photographic image; the cards or
documents may in addition carry other so-called personalized or
variable data (e.g., data specific to a particular card or
document, for example an employee number) and so-called fixed or
invariant data (e.g., data common to a large number of cards, for
example the name of an employer). All of the cards described above
will hereinafter be generically referred to as "ID documents" .
As those skilled in the art know, ID documents such as drivers
licenses can contain additional information such as a photographic
image, a bar code (which may contain information specific to the
person whose image appears in the photographic image, and/or
information that is the same from ID document to ID document),
variable personal information, such as an address, signature,
and/or birthdate, biometric information associated with the person
whose image appears in the photographic image (e.g., a
fingerprint), a magnetic stripe (which, for example, can be on the
a side of the ID document that is opposite the side with the
photographic image), and various security features, such as a
security pattern (for example, a printed pattern comprising a
tightly printed pattern of finely divided printed and unprinted
areas in close proximity to each other, such as a fine-line printed
security pattern as is used in the printing of banknote paper,
stock certificates, and the like).
An exemplary ID document can comprise a substrate or core layer
(which can be pre-printed), such as a light-colored, opaque
material (e.g., polycarbonate, TESLIN (available from PPG
Industries) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, etc). In certain
instances and with certain printing or information forming
technologies, variable or personalized data can be formed directly
on the substrate or core layer. In other instances, the core layer
may be coated and/or laminated with another material to enable
printing or other methods of forming information. For example, the
substrate or core layer can be laminated with a transparent
material, such as clear polycarbonate or PVC to form a so-called
"card blank" .
Certain technologies for forming or printing information may
require further protection of the information, so an additional
layer of transparent overlaminate can be coupled to the core layer
or card blank and the information printed thereon, as is known by
those skilled in the art. Illustrative examples of usable materials
for overlaminates include polycarbonate, biaxially oriented
polyester, or other optically clear durable plastic film.
Information, such as variable personal information (e.g.,
photographic information), can be formed on the card blank using
one or more methods, such as laser xerography, Indigo, intaglio,
laser engraving or marking, inket printing, thermal or mass
transfer printing, dye diffusion thermal transfer ("D2T2")
printing, (described in commonly assigned U. S. Pat. No. 6066594,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.), etc.
The information can, for example, comprise an indicium or indicia,
such as the invariant or nonvarying information common to a large
number of identification documents, for example the name and logo
of the organization issuing the documents. The information may be
formed by any known process capable of forming the indicium on the
specific core material used.
Identification documents, such as ID cards, having printed
background security patterns, designs or logos and identification
data personal to the card bearer have been known and are described,
for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,970, issued Sep. 18, 1973 to M.
Annenberg; in Great Britain Pat. No. 1,472,581, issued to G. A. O.
Gesellschaft Fur Automation Und Organisation mbH, published Mar.
10, 1976; in International Patent Application PCT/GB82/00150,
published Nov. 25, 1982 as Publication No. WO 82/04149; in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,653,775, issued Mar. 31, 1987 to T. Raphael, et al.; in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,949, issued Apr. 19, 1988 to G. S. Sethi, et
al.; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,987, issued Nov. 16, 1993 to J. W.
Luening, et al. All of the aforementioned documents are hereby
incorporated by reference.
Identification documents of the types mentioned above can take a
number of forms, depending on cost and desired features. For
example, some ID documents comprise highly plasticized poly(vinyl
chloride) or have a composite structure with polyester laminated to
0.5-2.0 mil (13-51 .mu.m) poly(vinyl chloride) film, which provides
a suitable receiving layer for heat transferable dyes which form a
photographic image, together with any variant or invariant data
required for the identification of the bearer. These data are
subsequently protected to varying degrees by clear, thin
(0.125-0.250 mil, 3-6 .mu.m) overlay patches applied at the
printhead, holographic hot stamp foils (0.125-0.250 mil 3-6 .mu.m),
or a clear polyester laminate (0.5-10 mil, 13-254 .mu.m) supporting
common security features. These last two types of protective foil
or laminate sometimes are applied at a laminating station separate
from the printhead. The choice of laminate dictates the degree of
durability and security imparted to the system in protecting the
image and other data.
One response to the problem of counterfeiting ID documents has
involved the integration of verification features that are
difficult to copy by hand or by machine, or which are manufactured
using secure and/or difficult to obtain materials. One such
verification feature is the use in the card of a signature of the
card's issuer or bearer. Other verification features have involved,
for example, the use of watermarks, biometric information,
microprinting, covert materials or media (e.g., ultraviolet (UV)
inks, infrared (IR) inks, fluorescent materials, phosphorescent
materials), optically varying images, fine line details, validation
patterns or marking, and polarizing stripes. These verification
features are integrated into an identification card in various
ways, as appreciated by those skilled in the art, and they may be
visible or invisible (covert) in the finished card. If invisible,
they can be detected by viewing the feature under conditions which
render it visible. At least some of the verification features
discussed above have been employed to help prevent and/or
discourage counterfeiting.
Counterfeiting and/or Alteration of ID documents
Despite the advances in the manufacture of ID documents, the ID
document counterfeiter remains surprisingly resourceful.
Improvements are needed to stay ahead of the counterfeiter. One
counterfeiting technique involves a de-lamination attack. Consider
an ID document that includes a printed substrate covered by a
laminate layer. A de-lamination attack removes the laminate layer,
sometimes with the aid of heat, to access information printed on
the substrate. Once revealed, the counterfeiter can alter the
printed information and reuse the substrate or laminate.
Some ID documents are susceptible to this type of attack. Consider
the ID document including a substrate, ink applied to the substrate
(or laminate layer) to convey information and a laminate layer
covering the ink and substrate. Conventional inks generally include
a strong adhesion to either a document substrate or to a laminate.
A counterfeiter can use this design characteristic (adhesion) to
his advantage. Upon de-lamination, the ink may adhere to the
substrate layer or to a laminate layer. Regardless, the printed
information is typically preserved on at least one layer and may be
used again. (For example, if the ink adheres to a laminate, the
counterfeiter can reuse the laminate. Or if the ink adheres to the
substrate, the counterfeiter can perhaps alter the information by
applying additional ink, or simply reuse the remaining information
on the substrate.).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,695, herein incorporated by reference,
discloses an identification document designed to help deter
intrusion attempts. With reference to FIG. 1, an image-receiving
element 10 includes a support 12, a polymeric security layer 14
including printing, and an image-receiving layer 16. The polymeric
security layer 14 is designed such that its cohesivity is less than
its adhesivity for each layer that is contiguous thereto (layers 16
and 12b). A printed security pattern 18 is hopefully destroyed
(into pieces 18a and 18b) through partitioning of the security
layer 14 during an attempted de-lamination of the image-receiving
layer 16 from the image-receiving element 12b (see FIG. 2).
Adhesives used with Overlaminate
Another type of delamination attack involves removal of the
overlaminate. Over-laminate has been commonly applied as a
protective layer for many types of security documents, such as
identification cards, driver licenses, passports, and security
badges. Over-laminates can be used to protect printed plastic cards
(and the information formed on them) from abrasion, chemical attack
such as plasticizer from the wallet, coffee, and bleach, from
ultraviolet radiation, and from counterfeiting and tampering.
Currently, most overlaminates consist of two layers: polyester base
film and a thin layer of thermal active adhesive. With appropriate
levels of heat and pressure, the overlaminate will bond to plastic
card surface.
Although many overlaminates have been developed and produced for
protection of ID documents, many existing laminates and/or
adhesives used with them may have at one or more of the following
limitations:
(a) Some overlaminate products are compatible only with certain
types of other laminates and/or card blanks. For example, TBSN
(available from Transilwrap Company, Inc., of Franklin Park,
Illinois) generally is compatible only with PVC and cannot be used
with polyester or polycarbonate.
(b) Some thermally active adhesives have a low glass transition
temperature, which may cause film blocking and machine jam
problems.
(c) Because the overlaminate is adhered onto the ID document
surface by heat and pressure, reapplication of heat may enable
intrusion into the ID document (e.g., cause complete or partial
delamination of the overlaminate).
At least some embodiments of the invention help to overcome these
and other disadvantages.
In one embodiment, we provide a composition for adhering a first
article to a second article, the composition comprising a thermally
active low Tg polymeric resin; and a multifunctional crystalline
polymer. The thermally active low Tg polymeric resin can, for
example, comprise 50-99% of the composition. The multifunctional
crystalline polymer can, for example, comprise 1-50% of the
composition. In one embodiment, the multifunctional crystalline
polymer comprises 5-20% by weight of the composition. In one
embodiment, the multifunctional crystalline polymer has a low
molecular weight.
The thermally active low Tg polymeric resin can, for example,
comprise at least one of a high molecular weight low Tg linear
amorphous polyester, a polymeric plasticizer, VITEL 3650,
polyacrylate, polyethylene vinylacrylate, polyester, and
polyurethane.
The multifunctional crystalline polymer can, for example, comprise
at least one of a di-functional polyester, a tri-functional
polyester, a multi-functional polyester, polypropylene, polyamide,
acetal, high density polyethylene, and VITEL 5833.
In one embodiment, the composition forms a plurality of crystals
when heated at a temperature above a predetermined temperature and
then cooled, wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature
lower than a standard lamination temperature, for example about 220
degrees Fahrenheit. The crystals can have a "snow flake" like
appearance.
In another embodiment, we provide an identification document,
comprising an information bearing layer, an adhesive layer, and a
protective layer. The adhesive layer overlays at least a portion of
the information-bearing layer and comprises a thermally active low
Tg polymeric resin and a multifunctional crystalline polymer. The
protective layer is coupled to the information-bearing layer via
the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer, in one embodiment, is
constructed and arranged such that subjecting the identification
document to a temperature above a predetermined temperature causes
a plurality of crystals to form in the adhesive layer. This crystal
formation can be substantially irreversible.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become even more apparent with reference to the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages, features, and aspects of embodiments of the
invention will be more fully understood in conjunction with the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1A is a view of an identification document in accordance with
the invention, before at least a portion of the identification
document is brought to a predetermined temperature.;
FIG. 1B is a view of the identification document of FIG. 1A after
at least a portion of the identification document is brought to a
predetermined temperature and then cooled to a temperature below
the predetermined temperature;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of an
identification document similar to the one of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the identification document of
FIG. 1A, taken along the A-A line; and
FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the identification document of
FIG. 2B, taken along the A-A line.
Of course, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with
emphasis rather being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate
like elements or steps. Further, throughout this application,
certain indicia, information, identification documents, data, etc.,
may be shown as having a particular cross sectional shape (e.g.,
rectangular) but that is provided by way of example and
illustration only and is not limiting, nor is the shape intended to
represent the actual resultant cross sectional shape that occurs
during manufacturing of identification documents.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Terminology
In the foregoing discussion, the use of the word "ID document" is
broadly defined and intended to include all types of ID documents,
including (but not limited to), documents, magnetic disks, credit
cards, bank cards, phone cards, stored value cards, prepaid cards,
smart cards (e.g., cards that include one more semiconductor chips,
such as memory devices, microprocessors, and microcontrollers),
contact cards, contactless cards, proximity cards (e.g., radio
frequency (RFID) cards), passports, driver's licenses, network
access cards, employee badges, debit cards, security cards, visas,
immigration documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards,
social security cards, security badges, certificates,
identification cards or documents, voter registration and/or
identification cards, police ID cards, border crossing cards,
security clearance badges and cards, legal instruments, gun
permits, badges, gift certificates or cards, membership cards or
badges, and tags. Also, the terms "document," "card," "badge" and
"documentation" are used interchangeably throughout this patent
application.). In at least some aspects of the invention, ID
document can include any item of value (e.g., currency, bank notes,
and checks) where authenticity of the item is important and/or
where counterfeiting or fraud is an issue.
In addition, in the foregoing discussion, "identification" at least
refers to the use of an ID document to provide identification
and/or authentication of a user and/or the ID document itself. For
example, in a conventional driver's license, one or more portrait
images on the card are intended to show a likeness of the
authorized holder of the card. For purposes of identification, at
least one portrait on the card (regardless of whether or not the
portrait is visible to a human eye without appropriate stimulation)
preferably shows an "identification quality" likeness of the holder
such that someone viewing the card can determine with reasonable
confidence whether the holder of the card actually is the person
whose image is on the card. "Identification quality" images, in at
least one embodiment of the invention, include covert images that,
when viewed using the proper facilitator (e.g., an appropriate
light or temperature source), provide a discernable image that is
usable for identification or authentication purposes.
Of course, it is appreciated that certain images may be considered
to be "identification quality" if the images are machine readable
or recognizable, even if such images do not appear to be
"identification quality" to a human eye, whether or not the human
eye is assisted by a particular piece of equipment, such as a
special light source. For example, in at least one embodiment of
the invention, an image or data on an ID document can be considered
to be "identification quality" if it has embedded in it
machine-readable information (such as digital watermarks or
steganographic information) that also facilitate identification
and/or authentication.
Further, in at least some embodiments, "identification" and
"authentication" are intended to include (in addition to the
conventional meanings of these words), functions such as
recognition, information, decoration, and any other purpose for
which an indicia can be placed upon an article in the article's
raw, partially prepared, or final state. Also, instead of ID
documents, the inventive techniques can be employed with product
tags, product packaging, business cards, bags, charts, maps,
labels, etc., etc., particularly those items including marking of
an laminate or over-laminate structure. The term ID document thus
is broadly defined herein to include these tags, labels, packaging,
cards, etc.
"Personalization", "Personalized data" and "variable" data are used
interchangeably herein, and refer at least to data, images, and
information that are "personal to" or "specific to" a specific
cardholder or group of cardholders. Personalized data can include
data that is unique to a specific cardholder (such as biometric
information, image information, serial numbers, Social Security
Numbers, privileges a cardholder may have, etc.), but is not
limited to unique data. Personalized data can include some data,
such as birthdate, height, weight, eye color, address, etc., that
are personal to a specific cardholder but not necessarily unique to
that cardholder (for example, other cardholders might share the
same personal data, such as birthdate). In at least some
embodiments of the invention, personal/variable data can include
some fixed data, as well. For example, in at least some
embodiments, personalized data refers to any data that is not
pre-printed onto an ID document in advance, so such personalized
data can include both data that is cardholder-specific and data
that is common to many cardholders. Variable data can, for example,
be printed on an information-bearing layer of the ID card using
thermal printing ribbons and thermal printheads.
The terms "indicium" and indicia as used herein cover not only
markings suitable for human reading, but also markings intended for
machine reading. Especially when intended for machine reading, such
an indicium need not be visible to the human eye, but may be in the
form of a marking visible only under infra-red, ultra-violet or
other non-visible radiation. Thus, in at least some embodiments of
the invention, an indicium formed on any layer in an identification
document (e.g., the core layer) may be partially or wholly in the
form of a marking visible only under non-visible radiation.
Markings comprising, for example, a visible "dummy" image
superposed over a non-visible "real" image intended to be machine
read may also be used.
"Laminate" and "overlaminate" include (but are not limited to) film
and sheet products. Laminates usable with at least some embodiments
of the invention include those which contain substantially
transparent polymers and/or substantially transparent adhesives, or
which have substantially transparent polymers and/or substantially
transparent adhesives as a part of their structure, e.g., as an
extruded feature. However, transparency is not required. Examples
of usable laminates include at least polyester, polycarbonate,
polystyrene, cellulose ester, polyolefin, polysulfone, or
polyamide. Laminates can be made using either an amorphous or
biaxially oriented polymer as well. The laminate can comprise a
plurality of separate laminate layers, for example a boundary layer
and/or a film layer. Of course, the types and structures of the
laminates described herein are provided only by way of example,
those skilled in the art will appreciated that many different types
of laminates are usable in accordance with the invention.
The material(s) from which a laminate is made may be transparent,
but need not be. Laminates can include synthetic resin-impregnated
or coated base materials composed of successive layers of material,
bonded together via heat, pressure, and/or adhesive. Laminates also
includes security laminates, such as a transparent laminate
material with proprietary security technology features and
processes, which protects documents of value from counterfeiting,
data alteration, photo substitution, duplication (including color
photocopying), and simulation by use of materials and technologies
that are commonly available. Laminates also can include
thermosetting materials, such as epoxy.
For purposes of illustration, the following description will
proceed with reference to ID document structures. It should be
appreciated, however, that the present invention is not so limited.
Indeed, as those skilled in the art will appreciate the invention.
For example, in at least some embodiments, the invention is usable
with virtually any product/process which is to be laminated or
coupled to a laminate in any way.
Description of the Figures
We have developed an inventive material with unique adhesion and
thermal response properties that enable it to provide useful
manufacturing, anti-tampering, and anti-counterfeiting
functionality to ID documents. The inventive material can be used
in many different ways, including as an adhesive, as a seal, as a
security pattern, as part of a coating, and as part of a
laminate
In a first embodiment, the inventive material is an adhesive
formulation containing 50-99% of a thermally active low glass
transition temperature (T.sub.g) polymeric resin and 1-50% of a
multifunctional crystalline polymer.
The thermally active low T.sub.g polymeric resin can, for example,
be made of materials such as polyacrylate, polyethylene
vinylacrylate, polyester, and polyurethane. One example of a
thermally active low T.sub.g (glass transition temperature)
polymeric resin that we have found useful is VITEL 3650, which is a
high molecular weight, low T.sub.g linear amorphous polyester.
VITEL 3650 acts as a polymeric plasticizer to improve the melt
flowability during heat lamination.
The multifunctional crystalline polymers can be di-, tri-, or
multi- functional polyesters. In an advantageous embodiment, the
inventive material includes 5 to 20% by weight of di, tri, or
multifunctional polymer material. Illustrative examples of usable
multifunctional polymer materials, in accordance with at least some
embodiments of the invention, include materials such as VITEL 5833
(available from Bostick-Findley, Inc., of Middleton,
Massachusetts), which is a low molecular weight, highly functional
branched polyester with high crystallinity. We have found that the
high level of active sites in VITEL 5833 help to provide more
interaction to some types of materials, such as polycarbonate, to
improve adhesion. In addition, we have found that the low molecular
weight of VITEL 5833 provides surface wetting during heat
lamination. We have produced a particularly effective embodiment of
the inventive material using a concentration of 10% (by weight) of
VITEL 5833. Additional usable multifunctional polyesters include
polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, high density polyethylene (HDPE),
low density polyethylene, etc.
In at least some embodiments, the multifunctional polymer is a
multifunctional crystalline polymer. Use of a multifunctional
crystalline polymer provides at least two advantages. First, the
multifunctional crystalline polymer has a very good anti-blocking
property, which helps to improve processes for applying the
multifunctional crystalline polymer to an ID document. Another
advantage of using the multifunctional crystalline polymer is that
some types of this polymer form a pattern of visible, irreversible
"snow flake like" crystals when heated above 220 degrees
Fahrenheit, which can help provide evidence of tampering. This can
be understood further by viewing the FIGs, as discussed below.
At least some embodiments of our inventive material also have
advantages that enable certain manufacturing processes (e.g.,
lamination), to occur at lower temperatures. Laminating at lower
temperatures helps to achieve proper bond strength and helps to
ensure the flatness of the material (e.g., part of an ID document)
being laminated.
We have also found that the adhesion properties of our inventive
material can provide advantages when used with ID documents. We
have found that the inventive material has strong adhesion to many
types of materials used to make ID documents, including but not
limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), amorphous
polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous PET (A-PET),
polyolefin, TESLIN, etc. . We have also found that our inventive
material has excellent adhesion to the certain of our proprietary
materials, such as materials described in a commonly assigned
patent application entitled "Document Laminate Formed From
Different Polyester Materials" (Ser. No. 10/692463, Attorney docket
Number P0901D, filed Oct. 22, 2003, Inventor Brian Labrec).
The inventive material also has strong adhesion properties to many
different types of inks that are printed on identification cards,
including but not limited to inks used with printers such as the
XEROX Doc-12, XEROX 3535, Hewlett Packard Indigo, Intaglio, inkjet
inks, etc. In at least one embodiment, we have found that, by
applying the inventive material substantially adjacent to printed
indicia (e.g., under it or over it), and by selecting appropriate
core materials, laminate materials, and inks, we are able to apply
the inventive material in a manner that causes cohesive failures in
the printed indicia when an intrusion to the ID document is
attempted. During such an attempted intrusion, the strong adhesion
properties of the inventive material cause it to adhere firmly to
the printing and to any other materials to which it is applied.
This helps to make detection of tampering more apparent.
In one embodiment, by including a material such as a tri-functional
polymer material, the inventive material described herein can be
used with (and have good adhesion to) a variety of materials used
for ID documents, especially materials used to make ID cards (e.g.,
PVC, PC, PET, etc.), especially as compared with some types of
polyester resins (e.g., VITEL 2700B LMW) or with certain materials
(e.g., TBSN, available from Transilwrap Company, Inc., of Franklin
Park, Illinois).
We have found use of di, tri, and/or multifunctional polymers
particularly advantageous with ID document materials (e.g.,
substrate (or core layer) and laminate (or cover layer) made using
polycarbonate, because of the good adhesion that results from the
high level of active sites in many of such polymers (e.g., the
VITEL 5833) that provide more interaction to polycarbonate. In
addition, we have found that the low molecular weight of at least
some of these polymers (e.g., VITEL 5833) provides useful surface
wetting during heat lamination processes. Still another advantage
is that use of the di, tri, and/or multifunctional polymers can
enable lamination of ID documents to occur at lower temperatures
while still achieving proper bond strength and a substantially flat
ID document (e.g., card). For example, in the production of some
known types of ID cards, a lamination temperature of 230 to 240
degrees Fahrenheit is required. Using at least some of the di,
tri-, and/or multifunctional polymers described herein can enable
lamination processes to occur at lower temperatures (e.g., 210 to
220 degrees Fahrenheit).
We have found that the VITEL 5833 can be useful for the purposes of
providing an adhesion controlling layer in concentrations from 1%
to 50% by weight, and especially from 5-20% by weight.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the inventive material
used of the adhesion controlling layer can contain other materials,
including additives such as ultraviolet (UV) colorants, infrared
(IR) colorants, visible colorants (e.g., to make the adhesion
controlling layer appear blue, red, etc.), thermachromic colorants,
optically varying colorants, pearlescent colorants, etc. For
example, we specifically anticipate that the colorants described in
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. no. 09/969,200,
entitled "Use of Pearlescent and Other Pigments to Create Security
Documents" (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,277), the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference, are usable with the inventive
materials described herein. Such additives enable the adhesion
controlling layer to be visible, for example, only under selected
conditions. Such an additive also can enable the security seal to
be substantially invisible when applied over certain types of
indicia. For example, an adhesion controlling layer containing an
infrared colorant could be applied over indicia formed using an
ultraviolet ink. The adhesion controlling layer would not, of
course, be visible when the indicia is viewed using UV light.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
A first approach involved tests of embodiments of the invention to
see whether the inventive materials can improve the adhesion of a
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) overlaminate film to the back of
an ID document having a polycarbonate (PC) surface. We modified a
Vitel 2700B LMW adhesive coating solution by the addition of Vitel
5833 and Vitel 3650. Vitel 5833 is a low molecular weight, highly
functional branched polyester with high crystallinity. Its high
level of active sites provides more interaction to polycarbonate to
improve adhesion. The low molecular weight provides surface wetting
during heat lamination. Vitel 3650 is a high molecular weight, low
Tg, linear amorphous polyester. It acts as a polymeric plasticizer
to improve the melt flowability during heat lamination.
ID documents, in the form of cards, were made by laminating 12-mil
polycarbonate/KRTY 3'' (Roll 817725-001-1-90070) on both sides of
TESLIN sheets. Overlaminate PET films were made by coating 30%
solid adhesive solutions with #4 bar on 1.2 mil 301H PET film, and
drying at 60.degree. C. for 5 min. Coating solutions were made by
1.5-3.0% Vitel 5833, 28.5-27.0% Vitel 2700B LMW, 56.0% MEK, 14%
Toluene; and by 3.0-15.0% Vitel 3650, 27.0-15.0% Vitel 2700B LMW,
56.0% MEK, 14% Toluene. 30% Vitel 2700B LMW solution.
These cards were overlaminated on a Polaroid ColorCard Printer
Model 85 SC (Atlantek 85 DSC serial # 000233). The both top and
bottom temperature settings on the printer were 58. The temperature
between card and overlaminate PET film was measured to be about
235.degree. F. The overlaminate PET film containing more than 20%
of Vitel 3650 in adhesive layer was very difficult to laminate by
the printer.
Peel Testing
A peel test was done on the cards using an Instron 5543 material
test system. All test samples were cut to a width of 0.5 inch. All
test data recorded were the average load force between peel
extensions 0.5 to 1.0 inch at 10 inches/min peel rate. Table 1
lists the peel test data. The data in Table 1 tends to indicate
that addition of Vitel 5833 or Vitel 3650 into Vitel 2700B LMW
increases adhesion strength. Too much Vitel 3650 presumably
decreases the total number of functional groups leading to a loss
of strength.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Instron Peel Test (LBS/INCH WIDTH) Smurfit
Vitel 2700B Vitel 5833 Vitel 5833 Vitel 5833 Vitel 3650 Vitel 3650
Sample #8017 LMW 5%* 8%* 10%* 10%* 20%* 1 0.58 0.98 1.16 0.66**
1.00 1.70** 1.17 2 1.02 1.32 1.42** 0.64 1.40 1.84 0.64 3 0.58 0.48
1.42 1.64 1.28** 1.38** 1.82 4 0.54 0.54 1.60 1.30 1.56** 1.16**
0.86 5 0.54 0.90 1.00 1.50** 2.12** 2.02** 0.46 6 0.66 0.68 0.98
0.68** 1.98 2.36** 0.98 7 0.92 0.56 1.74 1.32 1.88 2.10** 0.84 8
0.72 0.64 1.38 1.50 2.28 2.06** 0.30 9 0.76 0.56 1.28 1.62 1.84
2.06** 0.38 Ave 0.70 0.74 1.33 1.21 1.70 1.85 0.82 *% in coating
with Vitel 2700B LMW **broke the film
Temperature And Humidity Testing
The test cards were kept at 70.degree. C. and 100% (RH) for 3days.
The peel tests were done without equilibration after taking samples
out of 70/100. Table 2 shows adhesion of Vitel 2700B LMW became
better because of high temperature annealing. Addition of Vitel
3650 resulted in lost adhesion strength because of its plasticizing
effect at high temperature. Samples Vitel 5833 showed better
adhesion property after 70/100.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Instron Peel Test after 3 Days at 70/100
(LBS/INCH WIDTH) Vitel Vitel Vitel 2700B 5833 5833 Vitel 5833 Vitel
3650 Vitel 3650 Sample LMW 5%* 8%* 10%* 10%* 20%* 1 0.64** 0.46**
1.04 1.56** 0.48 0.84 2 1.88** 1.80** 1.24 2.30** 0.36 0.46 3
1.20** 1.00** 1.62** 1.58** 1.50** 0.90 4 1.82** 1.30** 1.08**
1.60** 0.70 0.72 5 1.42** 1.26** 1.20** 1.34** 0.52** 0.48 6 0.66**
1.06** 1.86** 2.22** 1.08** 0.48 Ave 1.27 1.15 1.34 1.77 0.77 0.65
*% in coating with Vitel 2700B LMW **broke the film
Blocking Test
The tests were done by facing the adhesive side of overlaminate
film to uncoated overlaminate film, and adding 0.076 lb/inch.sup.2
weight on the top. The samples with a higher content of Vitel 5833
showed better results.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Blocking Test Vitel 2700B Vitel 5833 Vitel
5833 Vitel 5833 Vitel 3650 LMW 5%* 8%* 10%* 10%* 40.degree. C. Pass
Pass Pass Pass Fail 3 days 50.degree. C. Fail Fail Pass Pass Fail 3
hrs *% in coating with Vitel 2700B LMW
Based on the testing in this example, the results indicated that
addition of Vitel 5833 not only improved the adhesion of
overlaminate PET film on polycarbonate but also gave better results
in the blocking test. Vitel 5833 has potential as a component in a
hot melt adhesive coating.
Example 2
A second approach involved investigating the effect of the
thickness of hot melt adhesive layers on the adhesion of
overlamination PET film to the back of ID cards (polycarbonate
surface). Identification documents in the form of cards were made
by laminating 12-mil polycarbonate/KRTY 3'' (Roll
817725-001-1-90070) on both sides of Teslin sheets. Overlaminate
PET films were made by coating 30% solid adhesive solutions with
#4, #7 and #10 bar on 1.2 mil 301H PET film, and drying at
60.degree. C. for 5 min. Coating solutions were made by 3.0% Vitel
5833, 27.0% Vitel 2700B LMW, 56.0% MEK, 14% Toluene.
The cards were overlaminated on a Polaroid ColorCard Printer Model
85SC (Atlantek 85 DSC serial #000233). Both the top and bottom
temperature settings on the printer were 58. The temperature
between card and overlaminate PET film was measured to be about
235.degree. F.
The coating thickness of the film was measured by RMES at different
positions on the film. The data in Table 4 shows that the thickness
of hand coated samples was not very uniform. The data also indicate
that the condition of the #10 bar was not good.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Coating Thickness Measurement #4 bar #4 bar
#7 bar #10 bar 1 0.0002 0.0002 0.0003 0.0001 2 0.0002 0.0004 0.0002
0.0001 3 0.0003 0.0003 0.0002 0.0002 4 0.0002 0.0002 0.0003 0.0002
5 0.0002 0.0003 0.0002 0.0001 6 0.0001 0.0003 0.0004 0.0002 7
0.0002 0.0003 0.0003 0.0001 8 0.0001 0.0002 0.0004 0.0001 9 0.0003
0.0002 0.0004 0.0001 Ave (in) 0.00020 0.00026 0.00030 0.00013 Ave
(.mu.) 5.08 6.60 7.62 3.32
PEEL TEST All test samples were cut to a width of 0.5 inch. All
test data recorded involved the average between peel extensions of
0.5 to 1.0 inch at 10 inches/min peel rate. Table 5's data
indicates that the adhesion increases with an increase in the
thickness of the adhesive layer.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Instron Peel Test (LBS/INCH WIDTH) 3.3.mu.
Sample Adhesive 5.1.mu. Adhesive 6.6.mu. Adhesive 7.6.mu. Adhesive
1 0.66 1.18 1.42 1.42 2 0.68 1.10* 1.42 cannot peel 3 0.90 1.64*
1.72* 1.96* 4 1.26 1.24 1.52 1.82 5 1.30* 1.02 1.72 2.12* 6 1.00
0.98 1.54* 1.60* 7 1.24* 0.88* 1.72* 1.84 8 1.20 1.56* 1.20 1.96 9
1.08 1.00 1.42 1.50* Ave 1.04 1.18 1.52 1.78 *broke the film
Based on this approach in this example, we believe that increasing
the thickness of the hot melt adhesive layer will improve adhesion.
Mechanism coated samples can help confirm the proper thickness of
the adhesive layer for this.
Example 3
In this approach, we investigated an embodiment of the inventive
material in the form of a hot melt adhesive formulation. We
investigated it using the following three types identification
documents (in the form of cards):
(a) polyvinyl chloride cards, with polyvinyl chloride on both the
front and back surfaces
(b) TESLIN-core cards having a polyester (e.g., PET) laminate layer
with a D2T2 receiving layer on the front and surface and polyester
(e.g., PET) on the back surface. These cards are codenamed "DSC"
and are similar to those some embodiments disclosed in commonly
owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,594, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference,
(c) TESLIN core cards having a PC laminate layer with a D2T2
receiving layer on the front surface and a PC layer on the back
surface. These cards are codenamed DM-1 and also are similar to
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,594 and also to those
described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application 60/471,429,
entitled "Identification Card". The contents of both of these
documents are hereby incorporated by reference).
We tested the following overlaminate films on these cards, as
well:
(d) TG, for both surfaces of the PVC card and the front surfaces of
DSC and DM-1 cards
(e) TV, for the back surface of the DSC card
(f) Smurfit, for the back surface of DM-1 card
(g) 12% Vitel 5833 film for all surfaces of cards
Note that 12% Vitel 5833 film was made by coating 30% solid
adhesive solutions of 3.6% Vitel, 26.4%Vitel 2700B LMW, 56.0% MEK,
14% Toluene with #4 bar on 1.2 mil 301H PET film, and drying at 60
.degree. C. for 5 min.
The above cards were overlaminated on a Polaroid ColorCard Printer
Model 85 SC (Atlantek 85 DSC serial # 000233) printer. Both the top
and bottom temperature settings on the printer were 58. The
temperature between card and overlaminate PET film was measured to
be about 235.degree. F.
Peel Test
The peel test was done using an Instron 5543 material test system.
All test samples were cut to a width of 0.5 inch. All test data
recorded were the average load force between peel extensions 0.5 to
1.0 inch at 10 inches/min peel rate. Tables 6 through 8 shows the
results of peel testing on the three types of cards, each having
the indicated overlaminate:
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Instron Peel Test of PVC Card (LBS/INCH
WIDTH) PVC PVC Sample TG 12% Vitel 5833 1 Cannot peel Cannot peel 2
Cannot peel Cannot peel 3 2.26* Cannot peel 4 Cannot peel Cannot
peel 5 Cannot peel Cannot peel 6 Cannot peel Cannot peel 7 Cannot
peel Cannot peel 8 Cannot peel Cannot peel 9 2.42* Cannot peel
*broke the film
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Instron Peel Test of DSC Card (LBS/INCH
WIDTH) DSC DSC Front DSC Back Samples Front TG 12% Vitel 5833 DSC
Back TV 12% Vitel 5833 1 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.58 1.94* 2
Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.88 Cannot peel 3 Cannot peel Cannot peel
0.46 1.84* 4 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.50 Cannot peel 5 Cannot peel
Cannot peel 0.46 Cannot peel 6 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.56 2.28* 7
Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.60 Cannot peel 8 Cannot peel Cannot peel
0.52 Cannot peel 9 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.62 Cannot peel *broke
the film
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Instron Peel Test of DM-1 Card (LBS/INCH
WIDTH) DM-1 Front DM-1 Front DM-1 Back DM-1 Back Samples TG 12%
Vitel 5833 Smurfit 12% Vitel 5833 1 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.92
2.44* 2 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.84 2.24* 3 2.56* Cannot peel 0.76
Cannot peel 4 2.52* Cannot peel 0.78 Cannot peel 5 Cannot peel
Cannot peel 0.70 2.22* 6 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.82 1.84* 7 2.64*
Cannot peel 0.78 1.74* 8 Cannot peel Cannot peel 0.74 1.98* 9 2.40*
Cannot peel 0.80 1.84* *broke the film
Based on our testing in this example, we have found that an
inventive material that includes, for example, 12% Vitel 5833 film
is equal to or better than the current overlaminate films used on
many identification documents. We believe that our inventive
material, using a range of 5-20% Vitel 5833 (or equivalent
materials) has the potential to replace all other adhesive layers
for overlamination of ID documents such as ID cards.
Example 4
Crystallization
FIG. 1A is an illustrative example of an identification document
10, before an attempted tampering by heat intrusion. Details of the
construction of such an identification document and of forming
information on or in it are presumed to be within the skill of
those in the art and are not provided here. The identification
document 10 includes, by way of example only, a bearer image 12,
biometric data 14, a bar code 15, demographic data 16, and a ghost
image 18. The ID document 10 includes an overlaminate 62 (shown in
greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3A), and, in this example, the
overlaminate includes a pre-printed security pattern 17. The
pre-printed security pattern 17 can, in practice, cover the entire
surface of the ID document 10, but for purposes of illustration the
details of the pattern are shown in just a few corners of the ID
document.
The ID document 10 can be formed using a core material such as PVC,
TESLIN, polycarbonate (PC), etc. Image 12 is preferably a color
image, but the present invention is not limited to such. The
document optionally includes ghost image 18, which can be a
screened-back or "Ghost" version of image 10. Ghost image 18 is can
be visible under normal viewing conditions or may be a "cover"
image, visible only under appropriate conditions (e.g., light,
temperature, etc.). We note that an ID document 10 need not include
all of the features shown in FIG. 1A, and that the illustrated
features are provided by way of example. Additional features may,
for example, include magnetic stripes, digital watermarks,
optically variable devices (OVD's), tactile features (e.g., those
made by laser engraving), etc. These features, along with the
positioning or embedding of the features, are optional, and are not
required to practice the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the identification document 10
of FIG. 1, taken along the A-A line. As FIG. 3A illustrates, the
identification document 10 is made up of a core layer 50 sandwiched
between layers of laminate 56 and overlaminate 60. The core layer
50 can be preprinted with fixed information 52, such as the name of
the issuer (for example, in FIG. 1A the fixed information includes
the issuer "STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS". A layer of a first type of
adhesive 54 joins the laminate 56 to the core layer 50
(alternately, if the core layer 50 and laminate 56 are
substantially miscible (e.g., the same material), the layer of
first type of adhesive 54 can be eliminated). Personalized
information 58, such as demographic data 16, bearer image 12, bar
code 15, etc., can be printed or formed onto (or into) laminate
layer 56 by any of the methods previously described (e.g.,
printing, laser engraving, etc., as described herein). In this
example, the personalized information 58 is formed using D2T2
printing.
The overlaminate 62 (which may include a security pattern 17) is
joined to the laminate 56 by a second adhesive layer 60 that
includes at least a portion of the inventive material described
herein. For example, in one embodiment, the entire second adhesive
layer 60 comprises inventive material. In an advantageous
embodiment, the inventive material comprising the entire second
adhesive layer 60 is an adhesive formulation containing 50-99% of a
thermally active low glass transition temperature (T.sub.g)
polymeric resin and 1-50% of a multifunctional crystalline polymer.
We have found that a particularly advantageous embodiment of the
invention uses, for the second adhesive layer 60, a formulation
containing about 5-20% tri-functional polyester (e.g., Vitel 5833)
and 1-50% of a multifunctional crystalline polymer. The layer 60
also can be constructed such that only portions of it contain the
inventive material, and the remainder is another material, such as
a material similar to the first adhesive 54. For example, the
inventive material can be a pattern formed within the layer 60.
Note also that the overlaminate 62 and second adhesive layer 60 can
be coupled together as a single product, before lamination, and
then laminated to the card.
During an attempt at intrusion, an intruder may attempt to remove
or lift the overlaminate 60, as shown in FIG. 2, to get at the
personalized information formed on the card. Heating the ID
document to relatively high temperatures can sometimes permit the
overlaminate 60 to be lifted, as can application of certain
chemicals. Often, because the overlaminate contains security
patterns 17 that are very difficult to replicate or purchase, the
intruder will not completely remove the overlaminate 60, but will
instead lift it, alter part or all of the information (e.g., by
replacing photos, changing data, etc.), then relaminate the
overlaminate to the remaining card structure (shown in FIG. 2 as
50, 54, 56, 60. If heat is used to attempt to lift the overlaminate
60, temperatures above a predetermined temperature (in the example
of Vitel 5833, about 220 degrees Fahrenheit), will cause visible
crystals to form that will remain visible even if the overlaminate
60 is successfully reattached. If a chemical is used to lift the
overlaminate 60, the heat of re-laminating the overlaminate 60
likely still will cause crystals to form.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the inventive material
can be adapted to have different "predetermined temperatures" of
crystallization, and these predetermined temperatures can be kept
confidential. A counterfeiter likely will not know that using
conventional heat and lamination processes will cause
crystallization, and he or she may not have access to equipment
that can enable lamination in the limited "non crystallizing"
effective range.
FIG. 3B is an illustrative example showing the identification
document of FIG. 1A after a portion of it (the portion overlaying
the bearer image 12 and signature disposed below it) were heated to
a predetermined temperature (in this example, 220 degrees
Fahrenheit). As FIG. 1 illustrated, a plurality of crystals 20 are
visible on the card in the portion that was heated. These crystals
20 form in the layer 60, as shown in FIG. 3B. It should be
understood that the appearance, size, and location of the crystals
20 are provided by way of example only and are not intended as
limiting. The crystals 20 need not be the same size as each other
and need not be evenly distributed or oriented. The crystals 20 may
be much smaller or much larger than shown in FIGS. 1B and 3B, but
they will be visible, whether alone or as a pattern, to the naked
eye. Even if the peeled layer of FIG. 2 is successfully
relaminated, the crystals will be visible if the relamination
occurs above a certain temperature.
Thus, use of the multifunctional crystalline polymer can help to
provide further visible evidence of tampering, especially if the
attempted tampering used temperatures above 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
One example of a multifunctional crystalline polymer that is used
in at least some embodiments of the invention is VITEL 5833, which
is a low molecular weight, highly functional branched polyester
with high crystallinity.
The above described "snow flake like" crystals can be visible to
the naked human eye and, in at least one embodiment, are
substantially irreversible (e.g., once formed into the material
after heating, they remain visible there). The appearance of the
crystals provides visual evidence of possible tampering of the ID
document (such as an attempt by the counterfeiter to delaminate an
overlaminate in an attempt to alter information on the ID
document), because the crystals ordinarily would not be visible in
the material unless the material has been exposed to temperatures
above a predetermined level (e.g., in one embodiment, about 220
degrees Fahrenheit or above).
Of course, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, further
modifications to the ID document can work together with the second
adhesive layer 60 disclosed herein to further provide evidence of
tampering. For example, if the variable or personalized information
or indicia is an image (e.g., the image of the ID document bearer),
the image can be printed so that it includes a feature that is
difficult to replicate and/or re-align after an attempted
de-lamination and re-lamination, such as a pattern of fine lines,
guilloche, interlocking patterns of colors, moire patterns, etc. We
also expressly contemplate that the second adhesive layer 60 can be
used with indicia that are printed using a cohesively failing ink,
such as that described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/329,315 (now Publication no. 2003-0226897), entitled
"Ink with Cohesive Failure and Identification Document Including
Same", the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
The thickness of the applied material in second adhesive layer 60
is not important, and those skilled the art will appreciate that
the thickness can be varied to suit different configurations of ID
documents. For example, we have found that thicknesses of between
0.1 and 15 microns to be advantageous when used on ID documents
such as ISO-compliant ID cards.
It also should be noted that the second adhesive layer 60 can be
provided adjacent to ANY type of indicia on an ID document, fixed
or variable, and that the use of variable indicia herein is
provided merely by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art
appreciate, tampering and/or counterfeiting of ID documents is not
limited to actions taken with respect to variable indicia, but also
can include actions taken with fixed indicia, as well.
We expressly anticipate that the invention also may be adapted to
work with non-printed and non-laser engraved indicia on ID
documents, such (OVD's), or virtually any feature which can be
tampered with.
Concluding Remarks
To provide a comprehensive disclosure without unduly lengthening
the specification, applicants herein incorporated by reference each
of the patent documents referenced above.
The particular combinations of elements and features in the
above-detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging
and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this
and the incorporated-by-reference patent documents are also
contemplated.
Having described and illustrated the principles of the technology
with reference to specific implementations, it will be recognized
that the technology can be implemented in many other, different,
forms, and in many different environments.
It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a
particular species of ID document --a driver's license --the
present invention is not so limited. The technology disclosed
herein can be used in combination with other technologies. Also,
instead of ID documents, the inventive techniques can be employed
with product tags, product packaging, labels, business cards, bags,
charts, smart cards, maps, labels, etc., etc. For example, we
believe the invention may have applicability in providing tamper
detectable features for some types of packages.
It should be understood that, in the FIGs of this application, in
some instances, a plurality of elements may be shown as
illustrative of a particular system element, and a single system
element or method step may be shown as illustrative of a plurality
of elements. It should be understood that showing a plurality of a
particular element is not intended to imply that a composition or
article or method implemented in accordance with the invention must
comprise more than one of that element or step, nor is it intended
by illustrating a single element that the invention is limited to
embodiments having only a single one of that respective element. In
addition, the total number of elements shown for a particular
article (e.g., layers of laminate and/or adhesive) is not intended
to be limiting; those skilled in the art will recognize that the
number of a particular system element or method steps can, in some
instances, be selected to accommodate the particular user
needs.
The technology and solutions disclosed herein have made use of
elements and techniques known from the cited documents. Other
elements and techniques from the cited documents can similarly be
combined to yield further implementations within the scope of the
present invention. Thus, the exemplary embodiments are only
selected samples of the solutions available by combining the
teachings referenced above. The other solutions necessarily are not
exhaustively described herein, but are fairly within the
understanding of an artisan given the foregoing disclosure and
familiarity with the cited art. The particular combinations of
elements and features in the above-detailed embodiments are
exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these
teachings with other teachings in this and the
incorporated-by-reference patent documents are also expressly
contemplated.
In describing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the
figures, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity.
However, the invention is not limited to the specific terms so
selected, and each specific term at least includes all technical
and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
* * * * *
References